Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) What are they?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a class of synthetic chemical compounds widely used in various industrial and consumer products. PFAS comprises thousands of compounds, the best known of which are PFOA and PFOS. These compounds are found in products such as non-stick coatings, food packaging, firefighting foams, waterproof textiles, and many others.

Health Hazards

PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because of their resistance to degradation in the environment and in the human body. Several studies have linked exposure to PFAS to various adverse health effects, including:

• Liver and kidney problems : Accumulation of PFAS can lead to damage to vital organs.

• Endocrine disorders : PFAS can interfere with the hormonal system, affecting the thyroid and reproduction.

• Cancers : Some studies have found links between PFAS and types of cancers such as kidney and testicular cancer.

• Weakened immune system : PFAS can reduce the effectiveness of the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

Sources of contamination

There are many sources of contamination, PFAS enters drinking water primarily through the following means:

Consumer Products which often contain PFAS

• Non-stick cookware

• Food packaging paper and cardboard that resist grease, like those used in fast food restaurants

• Clothing, rugs and furniture treated to be stain and water resistant.

Industrial products:

• Firefighting foams used to extinguish fuel fires contain PFAS and are a major source of contamination.

• Various industrial chemicals use PFAS.

Wastewater and sewage sludge:

• Domestic and industrial wastewater can contain PFAS, which can then end up in rivers, lakes and drinking water supply systems.

• Sewage sludge used as fertilizer can also be a source of PFAS when applied to agricultural land.

Atmosphere:

• Air emissions from industrial sites can transport PFAS over great distances, contributing to large-scale contamination.

Accidental releases and spills:

• Industrial accidents and spills of products containing PFAS can lead to localized but severe contamination of soil and water.

Even if certain measures are already in place to limit PFAS in drinking water, they are not enough to eradicate them. To drink tap water at home with complete peace of mind, it is necessary to equip yourself with a water purifier capable of filtering these contaminants.

Berkey® systems and PFAS filtration

In the face of this growing threat, reliable and effective water filtration solutions are essential. This is where Berkey® filtration systems come in. Designed to provide high-quality water purification, Berkey® filters are capable of significantly reducing the presence of PFAS in drinking water.

How does it work?

Black Berkey® filters the central component of Berkey filtration systems, use a unique combination of materials filtration, including activated carbon and other innovative filter elements. This mixture effectively adsorbs and traps PFAS, reducing their concentration to almost undetectable levels.

Independent and rigorous testing demonstrated that Black Berkey® filters can remove up to 99.9% of certain PFAS from contaminated water.

Conclusion

In a world where PFAS contamination of water is a major concern, choosing a filtration system is essential high quality that can protect the health of you and your family. Berkey® filtration systems stand out for their exceptional efficiency, durability and ease of use, making them the solution of choice for safer, purer drinking water.

To learn more about our products and how they can help you reduce PFAS in your water, visit our website or contact our customer service . Together, we can take concrete steps to ensure healthier, safer drinking water.